6/7/09

Pinoy Pride Shines In New York

For many Pinoys based in the Tri-State area of New York-New Jersey-Connecticut, all roads led today to Madison Avenue, long regarded as New York City's fashionable road. Today's agenda still has a bit of fashion involved as men in Barong Tagalog and women attired in Terno paraded down the street as part of the 111th Philippine Independence Day celebrations. This year's theme: "The Filipino-American: Bahagi Ng Bagong Bayani Ng Bayan". Leading the pack was Philippine Vice Pres. Noli de Castro with Sen. Manny Villar, Sen. Allan Peter Cayetano and Ambassador to the U.N. Hilario Davide, Jr.

As the sun shone brightly and Philippine flags fluttered in the wind, different contingents of Filipino-American groups followed one another in between brass bands and floats. Mixed crowds of Pinoys, locals and curious tourists viewed the parade from 41st Street down to 23rd Street where it terminated with a huge street fair just next to Madison Square Park. With my friends Sonny, Ryan and William, we tried to squeeze ourselves in the humongous mass of people - there was a trade fair, a food court and a cultural festival onstage for everyone. I swear I've never seen so many Filipinos congregating in one place outside the Philippines.

It's heartening to note that despite the Pinoy diaspora, everybody still has a grasp of their roots and appreciated where they came from. Food stalls selling Pinoy favorite dishes were a big hit. Many wore T-shirts emblazoned with Pinoy heritage and pride (Manny Pacquiao shirts anyone?). Most surprising was a Tagalog course for those who want to learn the language. At the GMA booth, heartthrob Dingdong Dantes was mobbed by Pinoy paparazzis. While munching on fish balls, I thought leafy Madison Square Park morphed into a Rizal Park with all the Pinoys around me. If Andrew Zimmern and Anthony Bourdain were there, they probably would have felt like they're transported back to Manila.

"If Andrew Zimmern and Anthony Bourdain were there, they probably would have felt like they're transported back to Manila.">>> hahaha... i like that. definitely they will. he might even look for lechon.

Hi pOot,Oo naman, Pinoys in America still remember our country of birth.

Hi Josh,You write well that's why I kept coming back to your site. And I also have a soft spot for OFW bloggers (dahil naging OFW din ako).New Yorkers are used to "national day" parades what with so many ethnic backgrounds here and the usual reaction is always amusement at things they don't always see -like the paper mache giants.

Hi Lateralus,Didn't see those - there were more Pacquiao shirts though.

Hi Dong,I had goosebumps nga eh when I saw so many Pinoys celebrating our heritage.

Hi Photocache,The parade was just last Sunday (6/7). I think Noli de Castro is a leading 'presidentiable'.

I don't think we have a similar activity here in Orange County. It is probably because the Pinoys here are so widely spread out and well-intermingled with the rest of the population. A big disadvantage in my opinion, if we want to be recognized as a potent group in this ethnically diversed US of A.

Hi BertN,I'm surprised you said that knowing the West Coast has more Pinoys living there.

Hi Backpacking Philippines,Thanks for visiting.

Hi Islander,Thanks for your reaction. I posted the pic knowing that someone will notice it - either like it or hate it. I believe in the young man's freedom to express himself and the way he interprets wearing the Barong - unless it's against the law.

Hi Joy,It takes a lot of team work to make the parade successful and I'm impressed with the organizers. Have a safe trip.

What a wonderful Parade !! So colorful and everyone is enjoying ..Great post..Thanks for sharing...Also I Have Started My Own Website And Would Like You To Have A Look At It.I Would Love To Have Your Comments On That Also.Unseen Rajasthan

wow, wow, and wow!!! it's my first time in your blog and i'd like to to tell you that i'll link it with mine. i stumbled upon your site via joy of UK and bertN of CA. you've got absolutely nice stuffs here.

to see the philippine delegation in NY not in papers but on a blog page is really something. thanks for sharing.